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Julie Long

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Devotions

A One-Track Mind

1 Min Read

womanprayer“Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4:34 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).

It’s not often that we accept the statement, “You have a one-track mind”, as a compliment. But, when it comes to serving God and fulfilling His will in my life, I want to have singleness of purpose. Just as Jesus did not allow friends or family to sidetrack Him from the mission, it is my prayer that God would keep me from distractions that would blur my vision and keep me from reaching my Heavenly goal.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for a single-minded focus!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Articles

Back to School? Back to Prayer!

3 Mins Read

schoolFrom the first day that I enrolled my oldest daughter (and two more following) in Kindergarten, I have felt blessed with good schools here in Hawaii.

We have had God-fearing principals that asked for prayer as well as teachers that share moral life principles with their students.

This year is different, however.  As my daughters have shared conversations their classmates have had and I listened in shock to the subjects that were discussed, something became quite clear to me.

As the end of time draws nearer and Satan works feverishly around the clock, the children of the world are exposed to more and more ungodliness. So many of their parents are involved in drugs, prostitution, promiscuity and pornography. Therefore, their children (the classmates of my children) bring such filth and debauchery to school – not just in their minds, but it becomes a part of their conversations.  Hence, my Holy Ghost filled children have been exposed to such raw sin that they would otherwise have no knowledge.

Unfortunately, private school is not an option at this time. Home schooling is not possible.  What is a protective mother to do?

At this time, I have two opportunities which I feel determined to accomplish.

  1. Make sure that I continually present the principles of the Word of God in a manner that my children can understand and appreciate them. They must know what it takes to please the Father.
  2. I must make sure to provide a safe covering and hedge of protection in prayer for each of them.
  • I can pray a covering over their ears when their teachers teach untruths that collide with the principles of the Word of God as well as the knowledge to know the difference.
  • I can pray that their classmates find themselves uncomfortable in talking “trash” in the presence of my children.
  • I can pray (and give guidance) that my children will have an answer to give when someone tries to share ungodly speech and actions with them.

The state of the world grows worse each day. Mark 13:20 says, “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved.”

The Lord is coming soon. We are often uncomfortable with the sin that is on display today, but is it so bad that we are praying “Come Lord Jesus” yet? How bad will it get before we find ourselves so grieved, that we are ready to go to be with the Lord.

We have a God who has great saving and keeping power!

Time spent on our knees – or in a closet alone – gives us access to that power. Let us set aside time each month to ensure that our children are covered…and protected in prayer.

 

Submitted by Debbie Sanders (reprinted by permission from the Daughters of Zion e-Newsletter.  Sign-up for the free monthly newsletter at ladiesministries.org/daughters_of_zion.asp)

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Devotions

Worth the Wait

1 Min Read

worship“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

Waiting for someone or something is not one of my virtues. In fact it really does grate on my nerves. According to this scripture, waiting on the Lord will renew your strength. After waiting our energy will be renewed so we can run and not become weary and walk and not faint.

There have been times when I felt totally depleted and found myself at His feet. After waiting on the Lord, I felt invigorated. It was worth the wait!

Prayer: Lord, today I fall at Your feet needing strength to go on. Thank You for Your Word that gives me clear direction on how to increase my physical and spiritual stamina. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

It’s Not Over

2 Mins Read

prayerhands“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:33 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

The family of Jacob, or the descendants of Jacob are the same as the children of Israel. This was the name by which the ancient people of God were known, It is the same as saying that he would reign over His own church and people forever. He’s in charge. He guides them and defends them. He has given laws for them to follow.

This scripture addresses Mary when she was told she was with child. Mary had seen turmoil in her world; Kingdoms rising and falling all around. The child she would give birth to would form an everlasting kingdom.

I’m so glad I have an interest in His Kingdom. He shall reign among his people on earth until the end of time, and be their King forever. His Kingdom is the only Kingdom that will never end. How exciting to think about! You can be a part of this kingdom also.

Prayer: Thank You Lord, that You have made me a part of Your unending Kingdom. One day we will be with You forever. It’s hard for my mind to imagine being with You forever!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

De-Stress Yourself

1 Min Read

tasteandsee“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

Stress is the buzzword of the 20th century. It’s interesting that Jesus addressed this issue centuries ago. God undestands the weaknesses of humanity and doesn’t allow us to know what lies ahead. We must learn to trust Him totally.

Why do we bring such a load on ourselves when He has already taken care of it?

I believe in planning, however, sometimes things don’t turn out as planned. For instance my plans include mowing the yard tomorrow. Clouds gather and it begins to pour so my plans have to be changed. No big deal; God is in charge and He’s the one who decided to send the rain. De-stress yourself and let God handle today, tomorrow and forever!

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to understand that sometimes my plans have to be scraped for Your will to be accomplished. I want to learn to turn it over to You!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Death Certificates

1 Min Read

clouds“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-41 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

I’ve been thinking so much lately about His coming. This passage compares Noah and the flood with the day of Jesus’ return. That day will be a surprise and a day of separation. I take comfort in the fact that it won’t be long until He returns for those who love Him. And I plan to be one of those taken.

Death certificates are required to collect a life insurance policy. After the rapture of believers, how will our loved ones be able to collect without a death certificate? Something to think about, isn’t it?

Prayer: As I look into the Heavens it excites me to think that today could be the day of Your return! Nothing else really matters except You Lord. Thank You for that Blessed Hope!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

A Strong Tower

1 Min Read

wall“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

There is nothing like His name. He is not just a tower, but He is a strong tower. The word strong is an adjective describing the tower. It’s not one in need of repair; it stands strong against the winds of adversity.

When I call on His name I feel complete safety. He is a refuge and my security. I have no need to fear whatever comes my way. His name brings peace to any situation.

Prayer: When I whisper Your name I feel automatic strength and peace. As the songwriter so apply wrote, “Jesus is the sweetest name I know. And He’s just the same as His lovely name. That’s the reason why I love Him so. For Jesus is the sweetest name I know.”

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Sin = Death

2 Mins Read

The Bible declares in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Nobody is exempt from the fatal effects of sin. It not only separates us from a relationship with God but it keeps us from restoring that relationship on our own. Sin will keep us from understanding God; it will keep us from seeking God and it will keep us from fearing God. The consequence of sin is eternal separation from a holy God. So, is there any hope? Oh, yes! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The mercy of God is calling to all who will recognize their need for a Savior and turn to Him. God will forgive their sin and heal their soul so they can start to relate to Him as He originally intended. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (II Corinthians 5:19). The cross put to death our old, sinful life destined for an eternity without God and the resurrection gave us a brand new life with power over sin and an eternity with God!

Prayer: My sin had sentenced me to death, but O, how You loved me! The results of sin were so serious that You wrapped Yourself in flesh and came to earth to die a cruel death in my place. I was without hope and eternally lost, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were afar off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Thank You for such amazing, sacrificial love!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Devotions

A Living Witness

2 Mins Read

“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him.” (I Corinthians 2:14-15 in the Good News Translation of the Holy Bible)

I recently read this quote by an anonymous writer, “When you don’t witness, you just did.” It made me think about how my life is a witness of the truth that God’s Spirit has revealed to me. The ladies at the library; the guy at the gas station; and the gal at the coffee shop cannot understand the awesome power of God’s Truth unless my life reflects the impact the Gospel has made in my own heart.

Today, as you go through your daily routine, ask yourself this question, “Do my words, thoughts and actions bear witness to the transforming love of Jesus Christ or have the stresses of everyday life obscured the beauty of Christ in me the hope of glory?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Word has reminded me today how critically important my witness is to the people around me. When others cannot understand the Bible or why I choose to follow you, it is my responsibility to live out the principles of Your Word in such a way that it will bring revelation and understanding of spiritual truths. Help me be a living witness! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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